Method and system for communication

ABSTRACT

Provided is a computer implemented method and system for delivering text messages, emails, and messages from a messenger application to a user while the user is engaged in an activity, such as driving, exercising, or working. Typically, the emails and other messages are announced to the user and read aloud without any user input. In Drive Mode, while the user is driving, a clean interface is shown to the user, and the user can hear announcements and messages/emails aloud without looking at the screen of the phone, and use gestures to operate the phone. After a determination is made that a new text message and/or email has arrived, the user is informed aloud of the text message/email/messenger message and in most instances, and if the user takes no further action, the body and/or subject of the text message/email/messenger message is read aloud to the user. All messages can be placed in a single queue, and read to the user in order of receipt.

CROSS REFERENCE

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 62/083,085 filed on Nov. 21, 2014, and U.S. provisionalapplication No. 62/118,264 filed on Feb. 19, 2015, both of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND SECTION OF THE INVENTION

In today's world, almost everyone has a mobile phone, which is typicallyput in a pocket or a purse, and used throughout the day.

A person may be engaged in an activity, and cannot use a mobile phone orother devices to receive emails and text messages. For example a personmay be driving, and the use of a mobile phone, either for talking ortexting, can be hazardous. The person may also be involved in anactivity other than driving, in which the person cannot use the mobilephone for receiving emails, texts, and messages/notifications from amessenger application. In addition, the person may receive differenttypes of messages, including emails, text messages, andmessages/notifications from a messenger application. While engaged in anactivity, the user may not be capable of accessing and reading differenttypes of messages.

US 2013/0275899 proposes a solution for the limited distractionenvironment by disclosing “a limited-distraction user interface thatincludes providing for display fewer selectable user interface objectsthan are displayed in a non-limited user interface for the respectiveapplication, and in accordance With a determination that the device isnot being operated in a limited distraction context, provides anon-limited user interface for the respective application.” However, US2013/0275899 relies on substantial input from the user even in thelimited-distraction context, making it difficult for a user to use amobile phone in such context.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,364,183, 8,526,973, and 8,359,014 disclose “A cellphone which has been modified by the addition of software which respondsto the press of one or more Busykeys by automatically sending apre-typed text message to the sender of the latest text message justreceived or automatically answering an incoming call immediately uponpressing the Busy key and playing a pre-recorded audio message.”However, these patents do not allow a person to respond to a text or acall other than by sending a pre-typed text message and still requiresubstantial input from the user since the user has to choose and presson a Busykey button. For example, while driving a car, a user has totake his or her eyes off the road to find the Busykey button.

There is a need in the art to allow a person to receive emails and othermessages while the person is engaged in an activity that limits theperson's ability to read emails and other messages.

SUMMARY SECTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided is a computer implemented method to be carried out with aprocessor, a memory, and a touch screen, comprising: a) determiningwithout any input by a user that a text message, an email, or a messagefrom a messenger application, has arrived while the user is engaged inan activity; b) informing the user without any input by the user thatthe text message, the email, or the message from the messengerapplication has arrived from a sender; and c) proceeding with a stepselected from the group consisting of (i) and (ii): i) allowing the usertime to take an affirmative action to stop reading aloud to the user abody of the text message, the email, or the message from the messengerapplication; and in accordance with not receiving an input correspondingto the affirmative action from the user, reading aloud the body of thetext message, the email, or the message from the messenger applicationto the user; ii) allowing the user time to take an affirmative action tocommand reading a body of the text message, the email, or the messagefrom the messenger application aloud to the user; and in accordance withreceiving an input corresponding to the affirmative action from theuser, reading aloud the body of the text message, the email, or themessage from the messenger application to the user. The method cancomprise: a) determining without any input by the user that the textmessage, the email, or the message from the messenger application hasarrived while the user is engaged in the activity; b) analyzing withoutany input by the user a content of the text message, the email, or themessage from the messenger application; c) informing the user withoutany input by the user that the text message, the message from themessenger application, or the email has arrived from a sender by readingaloud an identity of the sender; and d) proceeding with a step selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) and (ii): i) allowing the user time totake an affirmative action to stop reading aloud to the user a body ofthe text message, the email, or the message from the messengerapplication; and in accordance with not receiving an input correspondingto the affirmative action from the user, reading aloud the body of thetext message, the email, or the message from the messenger applicationto the user; ii) allowing the user time to take an affirmative action tocommand reading a body of the text message, the email, or the messagefrom the messenger application aloud to the user; and in accordance withreceiving an input corresponding to the affirmative action from theuser, reading aloud the body of the text message, the email, or themessage from the messenger application to the user. The method cancomprise: a) running an application configured to deliver one or more ofthe email, the text message, or the message from the messengerapplication to a user while the user is engaged in the activity; b)determining without any input by the user that the text message, theemail, or the message from the messenger application has arrived whilethe application is running; c) analyzing without any input by the user acontent of the text message, the email, or the message from themessenger application; d) informing the user without any input by theuser that the text message, the email, or the message from the messengerapplication has arrived from a sender; and; e) proceeding with a stepselected from the group consisting of (i) and (ii): i) allowing the usertime to take an affirmative action to stop reading aloud to the user abody of the text message, the email, or the message from the messengerapplication; and in accordance with not receiving an input correspondingto the affirmative action from the user, reading aloud the body of thetext message, the email, or the message from the messenger applicationto the user; ii) allowing the user time to take an affirmative action tocommand reading a body of the text message, the email, or the messagefrom the messenger application aloud to the user; and in accordance withreceiving an input corresponding to the affirmative action from theuser, reading aloud the body of the text message, the email, or themessage from the messenger application to the user. The method cancomprise: a) determining without any input by the user that the textmessage, the email, or the message from the messenger application hasarrived; b) analyzing without any input by the user a content of thetext message, the email, or the message from the messenger application;c) informing the user without any input by the user that the textmessage the email, or the message from the messenger application hasarrived from a sender by reading at least aloud identity of the sender;d) allowing the user time to take an affirmative action to stop readingaloud to the user a body of the text message, the email, or the messagefrom the messenger application; and e) in accordance with not receivingan input corresponding to the affirmative action from the user, readingaloud body of the text message, the email, or the message from themessenger application to the user, and in case of the email, furtherreading aloud a subject of the email. The method can comprise: a)determining without any input by the user that the email has arrived; b)informing the user without any input by the user that the email hasarrived from a sender by reading at least aloud identity of the sender;c) allowing the user time to take an affirmative action to stop theapplication from proceeding to reading aloud a subject and a body of theemail; and d) in accordance with not receiving an input corresponding tothe affirmative action from the user, reading aloud the subject and thebody of the email. The method can comprise: a) running an applicationconfigured to deliver the email to the user while the user is engaged inthe activity; b) determining without any input by the user that theemail has arrived; c) analyzing without any input by the user a contentof the email; d) informing the user without any input by the user thatthe email has arrived from a sender by reading at least aloud identityof the sender; e) allowing the user time to take an affirmative actionto stop reading aloud a subject and a body of the email; and f) inaccordance with not receiving an input corresponding to the affirmativeaction from the user, reading aloud the subject and the body of theemail. The method can comprise: a) running an application configured todeliver the email to the user while the user is driving a vehicle; b)determining without any input by the user that the email has arrived; c)analyzing without any input by the user a content of the email; d)informing the user without any input by the user that the email hasarrived from a sender by reading at least aloud identity of the senderand without displaying information about the sender or the email on thescreen; e) allowing the user time to take an affirmative action to stopthe application from proceeding to reading aloud a subject and a body ofthe email, and without displaying information about the sender or theemail on the screen; and f) in accordance with not receiving an inputcorresponding to the affirmative action from the user, reading aloud thesubject and the body of the email. The method can comprise: a)determining without any input by the user that the text message or theemail has arrived; b) analyzing without any input by the user a contentof the text message or the email; c) placing the email or the textmessage in a queue to be read aloud in order of receipt time, whereinthe email and the text message are placed in the same queue and readaloud one after another regardless of whether a next message in thequeue is new text message or a new email; d) informing the user withoutany input by the user that the text message or the email has arrivedfrom a sender by reading at least aloud identity of the sender; e)allowing the user time to take an affirmative action to stop reading abody of the text message or the email aloud to the user; and f) inaccordance with not receiving an input corresponding to the affirmativeaction from the user, reading aloud body of the text message or theemail, and in case of the email, further reading aloud a subject of theemail. For any of the above methods, the user can receive at least twoor more different types messages selected from the group consisting oftwo or more of the text message, the email, and the message from themessenger application (e.g. Email/text, Email/messenger, messenger/text,email/text/messenger), and the two or more of the text message, theemail, and the different types of messages are placed in a queue basedon receipt time to be read aloud regardless of the type of the message.For any of the above methods, the step of analyzing parses the emailinto subject, sender, and body, and parses the text message or themessage from the messenger application into sender and body. For any ofthe above methods, the application can be configured to run in aforeground or in a background, and is further configured to switch backand forth between the foreground and the background, and is furtherconfigured to read aloud the identity and the body of the email, textmessage, or the message from the messenger application while theapplication is in the background. For any of the above methods, iflooking at the screen is hazardous due to the activity, the screen doesnot display any portion of the email, text message, or message from themessenger application. For Any of the above methods can further compriseprompting to call the sender without any input from the user. Any of theabove methods can further comprise a different interface is presented onthe screen depending on the activity of the user. Any of the abovemethods can further comprise informing the user comprises reading alouda name of the sender. For any of the above methods, step (c) cancomprise allowing the user time to take an affirmative action to stopreading of a body of the text message, the email, or the message fromthe messenger application aloud to the user; and in accordance with notreceiving an input corresponding to the affirmative action from theuser, reading aloud the body of the text message, or the email to theuser. For any of the above methods, step (c) can comprise allowing theuser time to take an affirmative action to command reading the textmessage, the email or the message from the messenger application aloudto the user; and in accordance with receiving an input corresponding tothe affirmative action from the user, reading aloud the body of the textmessage or the email to the user. For any of the above methods cancomprise receiving an input from the user without the user looking atthe touch screen. Any of the above methods can comprise displaying aninterface with no prompts for the user to touch. Any of the abovemethods can comprise receiving an input from the user based on gesturesmemorized by the user. For any of the above methods, the input from theuser can be limited to tapping or swiping without a need to look at thescreen. Any of the above methods can comprise informing the user byvoice of an option to call the sender. Any of the above methods canfurther comprise, in accordance with receiving an input from the user tocall the sender, calling the sender. Any of the above methods cancomprise informing the user comprises informing the user of the identityof the sender and a subject of the email, or the identity of the senderof the text message or the message from the messenger. Any of the abovemethods can comprise after reading aloud the email or the text messageor the message from the messenger application, the email or the textmessage or the message from the messenger application is automaticallydismissed and a status of the email or the text message or the messagefrom the messenger application is changed to read. In any of the abovemethods, after the email, the text message or the message from themessenger application is read aloud and the status changed to read, theuser is notified that a new email, text message, or the message from themessenger application in the queue has arrived. Any of the above methodscan comprise reading aloud is carried out of an audio system in anautomobile. Any of the above methods can comprise limiting the userinput to a) pausing or rereading reading of the email or the textmessage or the message from the messenger application; b) dismissing theemail, the text message, or the messenger application; and c) deletingthe email; and d) calling the sender. Any of the above methods cancomprise the activity being a vehicle. Any of the above methods cancomprise the activity being working with a desktop, a laptop, or atablet computer. Any of the above methods can comprise the activitybeing an exercise (Active Mode). Any of the above methods, the methodcan be carried out on a device selected from the group consisting of: asmart phone, a mobile phone, a phablet, a tablet, a wearable device, awatch, and a vehicle operating device. For any of the above methods, themethod can only deliver email, or only deliver text messages, or onlydeliver messages from a messenger application, or deliver all three, ordeliver any two combinations thereof (email/text, email/messenger,text/messenger). Any of the above methods can comprise: a) running anapplication configured to deliver the email to the user while the useris engaged in the activity; b) determining by the application withoutany input by the user that the email has arrived; c) analyzing by theapplication without any input by the user a content of the email; d)informing the user by the application without any input by the user thatthe email has arrived from a sender by sending instructions for readingat least aloud identity of the sender; e) allowing the user time by theapplication to take an affirmative action to stop reading aloud asubject and a body of the email; and f) in accordance with not receivingan input corresponding to the affirmative action from the user, sendinginstructions by the application to read aloud a subject and the body ofthe email.

Provided is a mobile phone, comprising: One or more processors; Amemory, One or more programs, wherein the one or more programs arestored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or moreprocessors, the one or more programs including instructions for thesteps comprising (including any of the methods above): a) determiningwithout any input by the user that a text message, an mail, or a messagefrom the messenger application has arrived while the user is engaged inan activity; b) analyzing without any input by the user a content of thetext message, the email, or the message from the messenger application;c) informing the user without any input by the user that the textmessage, the email, or the message from the messenger applicationmessage has arrived from a sender by reading at least aloud an identityof the sender; d) allowing the user time to take an affirmative actionto stop the application from proceeding to reading a body of the textmessage, the email, or message from the messenger application aloud tothe user; f) in accordance with not receiving an input corresponding tothe affirmative action from the user, reading aloud body of the textmessage, the email, or the message from the messenger application to theuser.

Provided is a system for delivering one or more of a message and anemail to a user engaged in an activity, the system comprising aprocessor, a memory, and a touch screen, the system configured todeliver a messages and an email to the user by (including any of themethods above): a) running an application configured to deliver one ormore of a text message, an email, or the message from the messengerapplication to a user while the user is engaged in an activity; b)determining without any input by the user that the text message, theemail, or the message from the messenger application has arrived whilethe application is running; c) analyzing without any input by the user acontent of the text message, the email, or the message from themessenger application; d) informing the user without any input by theuser that the text message, the email, or the message from the messengerapplication has arrived from a sender by reading at least aloud anidentity of the sender; e) allowing the user time to take an affirmativeaction to stop the application from proceeding to reading a body of thetext message, the email, or the message from the messenger applicationaloud to the user; and f) in accordance with not receiving an inputcorresponding to the affirmative action from the user, reading aloudbody of the text message, the email, or the message from the messengerapplication to the user. Any of the above methods can comprise: a)running an application configured to deliver the email to the user whilethe user is engaged in the activity; b) determining by the applicationwithout any input by the user that the email has arrived; c) analyzingby the application without any input by the user a content of the email;d) informing the user by the application without any input by the userthat the email has arrived from a sender by sending instructions forreading at least aloud identity of the sender; e) allowing the user timeby the application to take an affirmative action to stop reading aloud asubject and a body of the email; and f) in accordance with not receivingan input corresponding to the affirmative action from the user, sendinginstructions by the application to read aloud a subject and the body ofthe email.

Provided is a system comprising a processor, a memory, and a touchscreen, the system configured to deliver one or more of a text message,an email, or a message from the messenger application to a user whilethe user is engaged in an activity; the system further comprising: a) aqueue notification module for placing the text message, the email, orthe message from the messenger application in a queue for posting,wherein a single queue is used for the text message, the email, or themessage from the messenger application; b) an analyzer module foranalyzing without any input by the user a content of the text message,the email, or the message from the messenger application; and c) a textto speech module configured for: i) informing the user by voice withoutany input by the user that the text message or the email message hasarrived from a sender by sending instructions to a speaker to read atleast aloud an identity of the sender, ii) in accordance with notreceiving an input corresponding to the affirmative action from theuser, sending instructions to a speaker to read aloud body the textmessage or the email to the user.

Provided is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storingone or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions,which when executed by an electronic device having one or moreprocessors and memory, causes the device to carry out any of the abovedescribed methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a user launching the messageLOUD application andselecting Active Mode.

FIG. 2 illustrates special cases where the incoming email is relativelylong and will not fit on the screen.

FIG. 3 illustrates a demonstration mode where a user is read aloud thatthe messageLOUD is now in Active Mode and is instructed on how todismiss an email or a text message.

FIG. 4 illustrates the system in Active Mode that allows a user to touchscreen to confirm that the phone or other mobile device is in a ActiveMode.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user exiting Active Mode.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user tapping the Active Mode screen to pause emailand text message announcements.

FIG. 7A illustrates the Active Mode when an incoming text messagearrives while the application is in the foreground. A message from amessenger application would work in the same manner.

FIG. 7B illustrates the dismissing of an incoming text message by auser. A message from a messenger application would work in the samemanner.

FIG. 7C illustrates when an incoming text message is received while theActive Mode is in the background. A message from a messenger applicationwould work in the same manner.

FIG. 8A illustrates the Active Mode when an incoming email is receivedwhile the application is in the foreground.

FIG. 8B illustrates dismissing of an incoming email by a user in ActiveMode.

FIG. 8C illustrates when an incoming new email is deleted.

FIG. 8D illustrates when a new email is received while the Active Modeis in the background.

FIG. 9 illustrates a user launching the application and selecting DriveMode.

FIG. 10 illustrates receiving emails in Drive Mode.

FIG. 11 illustrates receiving a text message in Drive Mode. A messagefrom a messenger application would work in the same manner.

FIG. 12 illustrates components of a mobile phone.

FIG. 13 illustrates a user touching a screen to confirm that the phoneor other mobile device is in Drive Mode.

FIG. 14 illustrates a user exiting Drive Mode.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user launching Work Mode.

FIG. 16 illustrates a demonstration mode where a user is read aloud thatthe messageLOUD is now in Work Mode and is instructed on how to dismissan email or a text message. A message from a messenger application wouldwork in the same manner as a text message.

FIG. 17 illustrates a user touching a screen to confirm that the phoneor other mobile device is in a Work Mode

FIG. 18 illustrates a user exiting Work Mode.

FIG. 19 illustrates the ability of a user to pause Work Mode when a userseeks to take a break.

FIG. 20A illustrates when an incoming text message arrives in Work Modewhile the application is in the foreground. A message from a messengerapplication would work in the same manner.

FIG. 20B illustrates dismissing of an incoming text message by a user. Amessage from a messenger application would work in the same manner.

FIG. 20C illustrates the scenario in Work Mode when an incoming textmessage is ignored. A message from a messenger application would work inthe same manner.

FIG. 20D illustrates when an incoming text message is received whileWork Mode is in the background. A message from a messenger applicationwould work in the same manner.

FIG. 21A illustrates the Work Mode when an incoming email arrives whilethe application is in the foreground.

FIG. 21B illustrates dismissing of an incoming email by a user in WorkMode.

FIG. 21C illustrates the scenario in Work Mode when an incoming email isignored.

FIG. 21D illustrates when an incoming new email is deleted in Work Mode.

FIG. 21E illustrates when a new email is received while Work Mode is inthe background.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating the receipt, processing, anddelivery of emails, text messages, and messages from a messengerapplication to a user.

FIG. 23 illustrates that various devices that can run the messageLOUD®application for delivering one more message types.

FIG. 24 illustrates different message types being placed in a queuebased upon receipt time.

FIG. 25 illustrates analysis of different message types.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and a system for allowing a userto receive text messages, emails (electronic mail), or messages from amessenger application while the user is engaged in an activity. The userdoes not need look at the mobile phone while driving or doing otheractivities, and yet has the capability to fully review messages and evencall back the sender.

FIG. 1 illustrates a user launching the application (messageLOUD®) andselecting Active Mode 205. The messageLOUD icon 201 can be present on ahome screen 100 with a number of other icons 200. A user 300 presses themessageLOUD icon 201, and then selects Active Mode 205. The user canselect Drive Mode 202, Work Mode 203, Settings 204, or accountinformation 206. The Drive Mode 202 relates to the situation when theuser is driving. The user situates the mobile phone in suchconfiguration in the vehicle so that the user can touch the screen ofthe mobile phone. The Work Mode 203 refers to the situation when theuser is working and does not want to be distracted, for example byhaving to toggle between work that they are doing and their emailprogram. In Work Mode, the phone or other device is placed in a positionso that the user can touch the screen of the phone. The Active Mode 205refers to the situation when the user is exercising (walking, cycling,running, at the gym) and would prefer not to be distracted, for example,by having to look at the screen of the phone. The Active Mode isdesigned to have an interface with large buttons so the user can presseasily. In Active Mode, the user can have the option of placing thephone or other devices at greater distances where the user cannot reachthe screen. If the user is walking and is holding the phone in hand andlikes to make gestures, the user may actually prefer to operate thedevice in Drive Mode. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the Active Mode 205 isselected and the application makes an announcement that the applicationis in Active Mode by stating “Active Loud” 469.

FIG. 2 illustrates special cases where the incoming email is relativelylong and will not fit on the screen. Long emails that overflow 485scroll up 487 488 as the email is read aloud 486. FIG. 2 relates to theActive Mode 205 and Work Mode 203.

FIG. 3 illustrates a demonstration mode where a user is read aloud 470that the messageLOUD application is now in Active Mode 205 andinstructed on how to dismiss an email or text message. The user is theninstructed on how to delete an email 471, how to pause and reread(resume) reading 472, and how to call a sender 473. A message from amessenger application would be dismissed in the same manner as a textmessage.

FIG. 4 illustrates the system in Active Mode 205 that allows a user totouch a screen 105 to confirm that the phone or other mobile device isin Active Mode 205. The application will read aloud “Active Loud” 474 toassure the user that the application is in Active Mode 205. A user mayseek to confirm the Active Mode 205 by tapping the screen in the eventif the user has not received any emails, text messages, or a messagefrom a messenger application.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user exiting Active Mode 205. The user can touchand hold for a predetermined amount of time (here one second) 434 to beprompted to press on an exit Drive Mode 205 button 435. Alternatively ifthe user holds onto the screen for 3 seconds 436, the user isautomatically exited 437 from Active Mode 205. The application caninform the user aloud 438 that the user has exited Active Mode 205. Theuser is then directed to the application home page 102 with thedifferent available modes for the user to select.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user tapping 475 the Active Mode 205 screen 104 topause email and text announcements 476. A reread (resume) 477 buttonwill then pop up which a user can tap or press to rereading of email andtext message announcements. A message from a messenger application wouldbe reread in the same manner as a text message.

FIG. 7A illustrates the Active Mode 205 when an incoming text isreceived while the application is in the foreground. When a new textmessage is received, the text message is announced 478. Usually theidentity of the sender, such as a name, phone number, or screen/profilename of the sender is announced 489. The application can send anautomatic response to the sender informing the sender that the user isbusy 480. A user can decide whether or not to have announcements andtext messages are read aloud. In this case, the user's default is thatannouncements and text messages are read aloud 479. The mobile phone orother device can also vibrate 444. In this case, a predetermined amountof time (a two second pause) 447 is allowed for a user to take an actionbefore the text message is read aloud. A user can dismiss the textmessage by pressing the dismiss button 445 or have the application readaloud the text message by pressing the read button 446. If the userpresses the read button 446, the application will display and read aloud(according to the default selected by the user) the body of the text479. The body of the text message is read without any user input. Theread button 446 can shorten the delay period from announcement of thetext 478 to reading the body of the text 479. Unless the user pressesthe dismiss 445, reply 449, or delete 465 buttons, the application willthen prompt the user to call the sender 451, 452, 453. If the userpresses on the call sender 453 button, then the native phone application454 of the device that is being used will be launched. If after a pause455, the user takes no action the text message is dismissed 456. Atanytime during this process, a user can press the reply button 449 toopen the native text messaging application on the device that is beingused. A message from a messenger application would be handled in thesame manner as a text message.

FIG. 7B illustrates dismissing of an incoming text message by a user.After a new text is announced 481, the user presses the dismiss button445, and the text is dismissed 482. The dismissal of the text messagecan be read aloud 458. After dismissal, the textbox slides away 448 asillustrated. A message from a messenger application would be handled inthe same manner as a text message.

FIG. 7C illustrates when an incoming text message is received while theActive Mode 205 is in the background. The mobile phone or other deviceof the user can have a notification screen 460 that depending onsettings of the device can be pulled down or automatically pops up. Theuser is provided with the options of a dismiss 445 and read aloud button446. If the user presses on the read aloud button 446, then the ActiveMode 205 moves into the foreground, and the new text message is readaloud 462. A message from a messenger application would be handled inthe same manner as a text message.

FIG. 8A illustrates the Active Mode 205 when an incoming email isreceived while the application is in the foreground. When an emailmessage is received, the email message is announced 483 without any userinputs (Both text and emails are announced automatically without anyuser input). Usually the identity of the sender, such as a name, emailaddress, or screen/profile name of the sender is announced 489. A usercan decide whether or not to have announcements and emails be read outloud. In this case, the user's default is that announcements and emailmessages are read aloud 463. The announcements and email messages areboth read aloud without any user input. The mobile phone or other devicecan also vibrate 489. A user can dismiss the email by pressing thedismiss button 445 or have the application read aloud the email bypressing the read button 446. If the user does nothing, the applicationafter the pause will automatically display and read aloud the body ofthe email 484. Unless the user presses the dismiss 445 or reply 449buttons, the application will then prompt the user to call the sender451, 452, 453. If the user presses on the call sender 453 button, thenthe native phone application 454 of the device that is being used willbe launched. If after a pause 455, the user takes no action, the emailis dismissed 456. At anytime during this process, a user can press thereply button 449 to open the native email application on the device thatis being used.

FIG. 8B illustrates dismissing of an incoming email by a user in ActiveMode 205. After a new email is announced/read aloud 483, the userpresses the dismiss button 445, and the email is dismissed. Thedismissal of the email can be read aloud 484. After dismissal, thetextbox slides away 468 as illustrated, and the Active Mode clean screenis shown 105.

FIG. 8C illustrates when an incoming new email is deleted. After a newemail is announced 483, the user swipes top to down 466 to delete theemail. In addition to deleting an email by swiping down, the user canpress the delete button 465. The application, depending on the setting,can inform the user aloud 467 that the new email has been deleted.

FIG. 8D illustrates when a new email is received while the Active Mode205 is in the background. The mobile phone or other device of the usercan have a notification screen 460 that depending on settings of themobile device can be pulled down or automatically pops up. The user isprovided with the options of a dismiss button 445, a read aloud button446, and a delete button 465. If the user presses on the read aloudbutton 446, then the application (Active Mode) moves into the foreground461, and the new email is read aloud 484.

FIG. 9 illustrates a user launching the messageLOUD application andselecting Drive Mode 202. The messageLOUD icon 201 can be present on ahome screen 100 with a number of other icons 200. A user 300 presses themessageLOUD icon 201, and then selects the Drive Mode 202. The DriveMode 202 is then selected and the application makes an announcement thatthe application is in Drive Mode by stating “Drive Loud” 400.

FIG. 10 illustrates receiving emails in Drive Mode 202. A new email isannounced 401. The announcement of the email is done automaticallywithout any user input. The announcement of the email 401 can be doneaccording to a pre-existing rules 402. The rule can for example be thatnames of the sender along with each recipient up to 3 recipients areread aloud 403, 404, and when more than 3 recipients, the name of theuser 300 is announced along with the number (for example “4 other”) ofother recipients that exist 405. The email announcement that includesthe name of the sender 406 is read aloud. A time delay (a predeterminedamount of time), typically a 1 or 2 second pause, gives a user a momentto dismiss or delete the email 408. The user can for example swipe topto bottom 409 to delete the email 413. A user can also tap two times 410to dismiss the email. If the user takes no action during the pause 412,the body of the email is read aloud (411, 415) automatically without anyuser input. The subject and the email body is read aloud 416 in thisexample. While the email is being read 415, a user can delete 413 theemail by swiping top to bottom 409, dismiss the email by tapping 2times, or pause/play by tapping once 418. If the user takes no actionwhen the email is being read, after the email is read, the user isprompted 421 to call the sender of the email 421. The user can be askedaloud if the user would like to call the sender 422. A pause 423 cangive the user an opportunity to call the sender. If the user swipes topto bottom 409, the email is deleted and no further action is taken. Ifthe user swipes up 425, a call is made 424 by launching the native phoneapplication. If the user does nothing after a pause 426, the systemautomatically dismisses the email 414. The user would then await thereceipt of a subsequent email to be read aloud 407.

FIG. 10 illustrates the clean user interface 103 of Drive Mode 202. Onlya non-functional logo appears in this instance on the interface 103. Theuser is not given any prompt that requires touching the screen, allowingthe user to memorized gestures and use these gestures (for example bytapping or swiping the screen) to command the application to take anaction without looking at the screen. Generally, four gestures can beused to operate the application, including a single tap, a swipe down, adouble tap, and a swipe up.

FIG. 11 illustrates receiving a text message in Drive Mode 202. Afterthe user selects Drive Mode 202 as illustrated in FIG. 9, the name ofthe sender of a new text message 427 is automatically read aloud 428without any user input. The Drive Mode 202 can have an automaticresponse 429 that informs the sender that the recipient is busy. A oneor two second pause 430 is provided to give the user the opportunity todismiss the text message by tapping twice 410, 414. If the user does notdismiss the text message after the pause, then the body of the textmessage is read aloud 428, 429 automatically without any user input.During reading of the body of the text message aloud 417, the user canpause or dismiss the text 492. The user can pause the text message bytapping once 418. The user can dismiss the text message by tapping twice414. If the user does not dismiss the text message 414, then after thebody of the text is read aloud, the user is prompted to call the sender421 by asking the user aloud 422 if the user likes to call the sender. Apause is given 423 to give the user an opportunity to call the sender.If the user swipes up 425, a call is made by launching the native phoneapplication. If the user does nothing after a pause 426, the systemautomatically dismisses the text message 431. The user would then awaitthe receipt of a subsequent text message to be read aloud 432.

FIG. 13 illustrates the system in Drive Mode 202 that allows a user totouch screen 103 to confirm 493 that the phone or other mobile device isin a Drive Mode 202. The application will read aloud “Drive Loud” 400 toassure the user that the application is in Drive Mode. A user may seekto confirm the Drive Mode by tapping the screen in the event if the userhas not received any emails or text messages. A message from a messengerapplication would be handled in the same manner as a text message.

FIG. 14 illustrates a user exiting Drive Mode 202. The user can touchand hold for a second to be prompted 435 to press on an exit Drive Modebutton. Alternatively if the user holds onto the screen for apredetermined amount of time, such as 3 seconds 436, the user isautomatically exited 437 from Drive Mode 202. The application can informthe user aloud 438 that the user has exited Drive Mode 202. The user isthen directed to the application home page 102 with the differentavailable modes for the user to select.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user launching Work Mode 203. The messageLOUD icon201 can be present on a home screen 100 with a number of other icons200. A user 300 presses the messageLOUD icon 201, and then selects theWork Mode 203. The Work Mode 203 is then selected and the applicationmakes an announcement that the application is in Work Mode by stating“Work Loud” 439.

FIG. 16 illustrates a demonstration mode where a user is read aloud 440that the messageLOUD is now in Work Mode 203 and instructed on how todismiss an email or text. The user is then instructed on how to deletean email 441, how to pause and reread (resume) reading 442, and how tocall a sender 494.

FIG. 17 illustrates the system in Work Mode 203 that allows a user totouch screen 104 to confirm that the phone or other mobile device is inWork Mode 203. The application will read aloud “Work Loud” 439 to assurethe user that the application is in Work Mode 203. A user may seek toconfirm the Work Mode 203 by tapping the screen in the event if the userhas not received any emails or text messages.

FIG. 18 illustrates a user exiting Work Mode 203. The user can touch andhold for a second to be prompted 435 to press on an exit Work Modebutton. Alternatively if the user holds onto the screen for 3 seconds436 (or other predetermined amount of time), the user is automaticallyexited 437 from Work Mode 203. The application can inform the user aloud438 that the user has exited Work Mode 203. The user is then directed tothe application home page 102 with the different available modes for theuser to select.

FIG. 19 illustrates the ability of a user to pause Work Mode 203 when auser seeks to take a break. A user can press a pause button 419 to pauseWork Mode 203. A “Resume Work” button 420 comes on the screen 104 whichthe user presses to resume the Work mode 203.

FIG. 20A illustrates the Work Mode 203 when an incoming text messagearrives while the application is in the foreground. When a new textmessage is received, the text message announcement 443 comes on thescreen. In this case, a loud announcement is not made. A user can decideby pressing the read button 446 whether or not to have the text messagesbe read aloud 448. The mobile device can also vibrate 444 or make a pingsound. A user can dismiss the text message by pressing the dismissbutton 445 or have the application read aloud the text message bypressing the read button 446. If the user presses the read button 446,the application will display and read aloud (according to the defaultselected by the user) the body of the text 448, 450. Unless the userpresses the dismiss 445, reply 449, or delete 465 buttons, theapplication will then automatically without any user input prompt theuser to call the sender 451, 452, 453. The user can pause 495 readingaloud of the text message. If the user presses on the call sender 453button, then the native phone application 454 of the device that isbeing used will be launched. If after a pause 455, the user takes noaction the text message is dismissed 456, and the dismissed announcementis made on the screen. At anytime during this process, a user can pressthe reply button 449 to open the native text messaging application onthe device that is being used. The user can also call back by swipingupward instead of pressing the button. A message from a messengerapplication would be handled in the same manner as a text message.

FIG. 20B illustrates dismissing of an incoming text message by a user inWork Mode 203. After a new text message is announced 443 on the screen,the user presses the dismiss button 445, and the text message isdismissed 457. After dismissal, the textbox slides away as illustrated.The announcement in this case is limited to the name of the sender andthe text of the message appears on the screen. A message from amessenger application would be handled in the same manner as a textmessage.

FIG. 20C illustrates the scenario in Work Mode 203 when an incoming textmessage is ignored. When a text message is announced 443 on the screen,the user has the choice to dismiss 445, read 446, or reply 449. If theuser takes no action in the allotted time 447, then Work Mode 203 goesinto the battery save rest screen, until the user taps 464 the screen.When the user taps the screen 464, the text that the user did notpreviously respond to by taking any action is announced again 443 on thescreen. The announcement can be accompanied with a vibration/ping. Amessage from a messenger application would be handled in the same manneras a text message.

FIG. 20D illustrates when an incoming text message is received while theWork Mode 203 is in the background with other applications running inthe foreground 501. The mobile phone or device of the user can have anotification screen 460 that depending on settings of the mobile devicecan be pulled down or automatically pops up. The user is provided withthe options of a dismiss 445 and read aloud button 446. If the userpresses on the read aloud button 446, then the work Mode 203 moves intothe foreground, and the new text is read aloud 462.

FIG. 21A illustrates the Work Mode 203 when an incoming email arriveswhile the application is in the foreground. When an email message isreceived, the email message is announced 463. A user can decide whetheror not to have announcements and emails be read out loud. In this case,the user's default is that announcements of the messages are read onlyon the screen 463. The announcement can be made with a vibration/ping. Auser can dismiss the email by pressing the dismiss button 445 or havethe application read aloud the email by pressing the read button 446. Ifthe user does nothing, the application will not read the body of theemail and will dismiss the message 456. After the body of the email isread 494, unless the user presses the dismiss 445 or reply 449 buttons,the application will then prompt the user to call the sender 451, 452,453. If the user presses on the call sender 453 button, then the nativephone application 454 of the device that is being used will be launched.If after a pause 455, the user takes no action the text is dismissed456. At anytime during this process, a user can press the reply button449 to open the native email application on the device that is beingused. A message from a messenger application would be handled in thesame manner as a text message.

FIG. 21B illustrates dismissing of an incoming email by a user. After anew email is announced 463, the user presses the dismiss button 445, andthe email is dismissed 467. The dismissal of the email can be read aloud467. After dismissal, the textbox slides away 468 as illustrated.

FIG. 21C illustrates the scenario in Work Mode 203 when an incomingemail is ignored. When an incoming email is announced 463 in Work Mode203, the user has a choice to dismiss 445, read 446, reply 449, ordelete 465 the new email. If the user takes no action in the allottedtime 447, then Work Mode goes into the battery save rest screen 459until the user taps 464 the screen. When the user taps the screen 464,the new email that the user did not previously respond to by taking anyaction is announced again 463.

FIG. 21D illustrates when an incoming new email is deleted. After a newemail is announced 463, the user swipes top to down 466 to delete theemail. Alternatively a delete button 465 can be used. The application,depending on the setting, can inform the user aloud 467 that the newemail has been deleted.

FIG. 21E illustrates when a new email is received while the Work Mode203 is in the background. The mobile phone or other device of the usercan have a notification screen 460 that depending on settings of thedevice can be pulled down or automatically pops up. The user is providedwith the options of a dismiss 445, read aloud button 446, and deletebutton 465. If the user presses on the read aloud button 446, then theWork Mode 203 moves into the foreground 461, and the new email is readaloud 490.

FIG. 12 illustrates components a device on which the applicationoperates. The device is typically a mobile or a smart phone, a mobilephone, but can also be a phablet, a tablet, wearable devices, watches,vehicle operating system/device. Depending on the device or system, thecomponents may vary. For example, in a vehicle, the screen can be thesame screen that is used by the vehicle's navigation system. The devicecan have a processor 601, a power control unit/manager 607, a powersource such as a battery 608, a touch screen 602 configured forreceiving input and displaying text/images, a speaker 606, a microphone608, a memory 604, an Audio Codec 609, a Bluetooth module 610, awireless LAN module 611, and a baseband processor 612. Communication canbe carried out through a network capable of carrying out communicationunder one or more of GSM 613, CDMA 614, or LTE 616 (tower) protocols, orother multiple access technology protocols. The device can be configuredto communicate with a mobile tower or a local wireless network (WiFi,LAN) 611. The baseband processor 612 can also have an RF filter 615 tofilter out certain frequencies. The device can further be configured tohave hardware, software or firmware for determininggeographic-positioning location information, such as GPS or geolocation605. The device can communicate with Radio Frequencies 617, and bothtransmit data 618 and receive data 619. The device can have an antenna620. The device can further be configured to exchange data over shortdistances (such as 10 meters or less), such as with Bluetooth 610. Forexample, a user may send instruction to the device with a Bluetoothconfigured microphone and receive audio from the device with a Bluetoothconfigured speaker worn by the user and in Bluetooth communication withthe device. The device can be configured to have additionalcomponents/functions, such as input keypad, accelerometer/gyroscope 607,camera 606, and an input port such as a USB port. The device can beconfigured, either with the main processor or with additional specialtyprocessors, to process graphics, video, and digital signal processing(DSP). The device can further have a solid state or other type ofstorage, or may rely solely on flash memory for storage. The device canfurther have an operating system configured to run one or moreapplications.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating the receipt, processing, anddelivery of emails 701, text messages 702, and messages from a messengerapplication 727 to a user. The emails 701, text messages 702, andmessages from a messenger application 727 arrive to the mobile phone orother device via a communication network 703. The communication network703 can that of a mobile carrier or an internet carrier (network).Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) can be used as an ApplicationLayer Internet protocol to communicate with a remote mail server toaccess email 701. Text messages 702 may be communicated for examplethrough the user's mobile carrier using. Short Message Service (SMS),which uses standardized communications protocolsto allow mobile phoneand other devices to exchange short text messages. The text message 702can be limited to a number of characters. The message type can be onefrom a messenger service such as Facebook messenger, WhatsApp messenger,Skype messenger, Twitter Direct Messenger, Tango messenger, ViberMessenger, WeChat messenger, Instagram direct messenger, and iMessage(Apple chat). Messenger is an instant messaging service and softwareapplication which provides chat with a friend on devices that include amobile device, such as a mobile phone. The messenger can be built forexample on the open MQTT protocol.

The application checks for new emails 704. The incoming SMS service 707that is typically part of the operating system receives text messagesdelivered from to the user's mobile phone or other device from thecommunication network 703. The mobile phone's operating system deliversthe messages to the default SMS application 719, after which an SMSnotification is sent to the user 717. The application can have anotification listener 718 that checks for new text messages. In the samemanner as text messages 702, messages from a messenger application 727are delivered via communication network 703 to the use's device. A thirdparty messenger notification listener 718 receives the messengerapplication and can send a notification of the messenger message 727.New text messages, emails, and messages from messenger can be placed ina queue 726. When a notification rises to the front of the queue, thenotification queue 725 dispatches the notification of the queue to allobservers. New text messages, emails, and messages from messengerapplications can be processed by parsing and analyzing the messagecontent 706. The analyzing/processing 706 can include the stepsdescribed in FIG. 25. A first determination can be made as to whichmessage type is received 729, e.g., email 701, text message 702, andmessenger message 727, The message type can then be parsed 730 accordingto sender 497, subject 498 (typically for emails only), and body 499.Additional analysis of the message can include date information, andattachment information. Typically emails 701 are parsed into sender 497,subject 498, and text body 499. Text messages 702 and messenger messages727 are parsed into sender 497 and text body 499. If the applicationdetermines that the email or the text message needs to be read to theuser, then the application carries out text to speech conversion 708.For example, the application can create a transcript of the portions orall of the message that it has processed, and covert the message to anaudio file using TTS (text-to-speech) libraries. The audio file can besent to the mobile phone's (or other device) default storage area.Typically, the application audio file is then played on the mobilephone's speaker 709, and then the audio is terminated 710 either by anaction of the user or after completion. When the application processesthe email or the text message 706, the application can prompt 711 theuser on the screen to take certain actions, including calling back thesender 713, dismissing the message 714, and pausing audio 715. Theuser's inputs 719, such as swipes on the screen, are processed 712 andfurther action 720 may be taken by the application based on the userinput 719. For example, the user input 719 can stop the application fromplaying the audio 715. If the user selects call back sender, the phone'snative application for calling 720 makes the requested phone call. If auser dismisses a message 714, the email is mark as unread by the nativeemail application 721. Steps 708 and 711 can happen simultaneously afterprocessing 708. Step 708 can be repeated based on the user's input orafter a delay afforded to the user. Playing of the audio can occur onthe device speaker 709, or on a speaker of a networked speaker, forexample a vehicle speaker 723 that is connected with Bluetooth 722. Asillustrated in FIG. 22, the application runs on the device. An externalserver in communication with the device in which the application residescan control a user's account, gather data, and carry out otheradministrative tasks. Steps/modules 725, 706, 708, 711, 719, 712, 713,714, 715, 720 and 721 are carried out on the messageLOUD application.

FIG. 24 illustrates different message types, emails 701, text messages702, and messages from a messenger application 727, placed in a queue726. The asynchronous messages received at different times are placed ina queue based on receipt time. The same queue 626 is used for alldifferent message types. If the user is only receiving emails 701 andtext messages 702, the queue 626 would only have those message types.

FIG. 23 illustrates that various devices that can run the application.These include portable devices 802 such as mobile phones 803, smartphones 804, wearable devices 805, watches 806, tablet computers 807,phablets 808, and vehicle device/operating system 809. The vehicle istypically an automobile. A smart phone 804 is a type of a mobile phone803, and is encompassed by a mobile phone.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 11, 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are illustrated with a textmessage. A message from a messenger application would work in the samemanner as illustrated for a text message in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 11, 20A,20B, 20C, and 20D.

REFERENCES

-   100—Home screen-   102—Application home page-   103—Drive Mode screen-   104—Work Mode screen-   105—Active Mode screen-   200—Other icons-   201—Application (messageLOUD) icon-   202—Drive Mode-   203—Work Mode-   204—Settings-   205—Active Mode-   206—Account Information-   300—A user-   400—“Drive Loud” announcement-   401—New email is announced-   402—Rule-   403—Applied Rule-   404—Applied Rule-   405—Applied Rule-   406—Name of sender is read aloud-   407—Proceeding to next email-   408—Pause-   409—Swipe-   410—Tapping-   411—Read aloud-   412—Pause-   413 Delete email-   414—Dismiss email-   415, 416—Read aloud email body/subject-   417—Actions by user during reading aloud-   418—Pause/play message by tapping once-   419—Pause button-   420—Resume Work Button-   421—Prompt to call sender-   422—Asked aloud to call the sender-   423—A pause-   424—Call is made to sender-   425—Swipe up-   426—A pause-   427—Text announcement-   428—Text announcement aloud-   429—Automatic Response-   430—Pause-   431—Dismiss text message-   432—Receipt of subsequent text message-   434—Hold to exit mode-   435—Exit Mode button-   436—Hold to exit mode-   437—user is automatically exited-   438—“Goodbye” aloud-   439—“Work Loud”-   440—Audio instructions in Work Mode-   441—how to delete an email/Pause button-   442—how to pause and resume (reread) reading/Resume Work button-   443—How to call a sender-   444—vibrate-   445—dismiss button-   446—read message button-   447—pause-   448—textbox slides away-   449—reply button-   450—text message read aloud-   451—user is prompted to call sender-   452—Textbox to ask user to call sender-   453—call sender-   454—native phone application-   455—pause-   456—the text message is dismissed-   457—text message is dismissed-   458—dismissal of text message can be read aloud-   459—battery save rest screen-   460—notification screen/user taps the screen-   461—application moves into the foreground-   462—new text is read aloud-   463—email is read aloud-   464—user taps the screen-   465—delete button-   466—user swipes top to down-   467—application can inform the user aloud of dismissal-   468—textbox slides away after dismissal-   469—Application states “Active-Mode”-   470—messageLOUD is now in Active Mode-   471—User instructed how to delete emails-   472—Flow to pause and resume reading-   473—How to call a sender-   474—application will read aloud “Active Loud”-   475—user tapping-   476—Active Paused-   477—resume active-   478—Text message is announced-   479—message is read aloud-   480—user is busy-   481—A new text is announced-   482—text is dismissed-   483—email is announced-   484—new email is read aloud-   485—Long emails which overflow-   486—Email is read aloud-   487—scroll up-   488—Attachments are displayed-   489—Device can also vibrate-   490—New email is read aloud in app-   491—Incoming email is read aloud-   492—user can pause or dismiss the text-   493—touch the screen when idle to confirm you are still in Drive    Mode-   494—how to call the sender-   495—Pause Button-   496—Messenger working in same manner as a text message-   497—Sender (can be phone number, name, nickname)-   498—Subject-   499—body-   501—Applications in the foreground-   601—processor-   602—screen-   603—vibrator-   604—flash memory-   605—GPS receiver-   606—Camera-   607—Accelometer/gyroscope-   608—Microphone-   609—Audio Codec-   610—Bluetooth module-   611—Wireless LAN module-   612—Baseband processor-   613—GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)-   614—CDMA (Code division multiple access)-   615—RF Filter-   616—LTE-   617—RF-   618—TX-   619—RX-   620—Antenna-   701—Email-   702—Text Messages-   703—Communication Network-   704—Checking for new emails-   706—Parse and analyze message content (processing image)-   707—Incoming SMS service-   708—TTS (text-to-speech) message reading-   709—Device speaker-   710—End Audio-   711—On-screen prompts-   712—Process user input-   713—Call back sender-   714—Dismiss message-   715—Pause audio-   717—SMS notification-   718—Notification Listener-   719—Default SMS App-   720—Launch Default Phone App-   721—Marl Email as Read in Email App-   722—Bluetooth-   723—Vehicle Speaker-   724—Server-   725—Notification Queue-   726—Queue-   727—Messenger message-   728—3rd party messenger app notification listener-   729—Determine Message Type-   730—Parse Message Type-   801—Device-   802—Portable Device-   803—Mobile Phones-   804—smart phones-   805—wearable devices-   806—watches-   807—tablet computers-   808—phablets-   809—vehicle operating system/device

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer implemented method to be carried outwith a processor, a memory, and a touch screen, comprising: a)determining without any input by a user that a text message, a messagefrom a messenger application, or an email has arrived, wherein the userreceives at least two or more different types of messages selected fromthe group consisting the text message, the email, and the message fromthe messenger application; b) analyzing without any input by the user acontent of the text message, the message from the messenger application,or the email; c) placing the email, the message from the messengerapplication, or the text message in a single queue to be read aloud inorder of receipt time regardless of message type, wherein emails,messages from the messenger application, and text messages are readaloud one after another regardless of whether a next message in thequeue is a new text message, a new message from the messengerapplication, or a new email; d) informing the user without any input bythe user that the text message, the message from the messengerapplication, or the email has arrived from a sender by reading at leastaloud identity of the sender; e) allowing the user time to take anaffirmative action to stop reading a body of the text message, themessage from the messenger application, or the email aloud to the user,wherein the affirmative action is limited to a memorized gestureperformed on the touch screen; and f) in accordance with not receivingan input corresponding to the affirmative action from the user, readingaloud the body of the text message, the message from the messengerapplication, or the email, and in case of the email, further readingaloud a subject of the email; wherein if the user is engaged in drivinga vehicle, the screen does not display any portion of the email, thetext message, or the message from the messenger application.
 2. Thecomputer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the step of analyzingparses the email into the subject, the sender, and the body, and parsesthe text message or the message from the messenger application into thesender and the body.
 3. The computer implemented method of claim 1,wherein the computer implemented method is carried out with anapplication that is configured to run in a foreground or in abackground, and is further configured to switch back and forth betweenthe foreground and the background, and is further configured to readaloud the identity of the sender and the body of the email, the textmessage, or the message from the messenger application while theapplication is in the background.
 4. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1, further comprising prompting to call the sender without anyinput from the user.
 5. The computer implemented method of claim 1,wherein a different interface is presented on the screen depending onthe activity of the user.
 6. The computer implemented method of claim 1,wherein informing the user comprises reading aloud the name of thesender.
 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein step (c)comprises allowing the user time to take an affirmative action to stopreading of the body of the text message, the email, or the message fromthe messenger application aloud to the user; and in accordance with notreceiving an input corresponding to the affirmative action from theuser, reading aloud the body of the text message, or the message fromthe messenger application, or the email to the user.
 8. The computerimplemented method of claim 1, wherein step (e) comprises allowing theuser time to take an affirmative action to command reading the textmessage, the email or the message from the messenger application aloudto the user; and in accordance with receiving an input corresponding tothe affirmative action from the user, reading aloud the body of the textmessage, or the message from the messenger application, or the email tothe user.
 9. The computer implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving an input from the user without the user looking atthe touch screen.
 10. The computer implemented method of claim 1,further comprising displaying an interface with no prompts for the userto touch.
 11. The computer implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving an input from the user based on gestures memorizedby the user.
 12. The computer implemented method of claim 11, whereinthe input from the user is limited to tapping or swiping without a needto look at the screen.
 13. The computer implemented method of claim 1,further comprising informing the user by voice of an option to call thesender.
 14. The computer implemented method of claim 13, furthercomprising, in accordance with receiving an input from the user to callthe sender, calling the sender.
 15. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein informing the user comprises informing the user of theidentity of the sender and the subject of the email, or the identity ofthe sender of the text message or the message from the messengerapplication.
 16. The computer implemented method of claim 1, whereinafter reading aloud the email or the text message or the message fromthe messenger application, the email or the text message or the messagefrom the messenger application is automatically dismissed and a statusof the email or the text message or the message from the messengerapplication is changed to read.
 17. The computer implemented method ofclaim 16, wherein after the email, the text message or the message fromthe messenger application is read aloud and the status changed to read,the user is notified that a new email, text message, or the message fromthe messenger application in the queue has arrived.
 18. The computerimplemented method of claim 1, wherein the reading aloud is carried outof an audio system in a vehicle.
 19. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein input from the user is limited to a) pausing orrereading reading of the email or the text message or the message fromthe messenger application; b) dismissing the email, the text message, orthe messenger application; and c) deleting the email; and d) calling thesender.
 20. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein theactivity is driving a vehicle.
 21. The computer implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein the activity is working with a desktop, a laptop, or atablet computer.
 22. The computer implemented method of claim 1, whereinthe activity is exercise (Active Mode).
 23. The computer implementedmethod of claim 1, wherein the method is carried out on a deviceselected from the group consisting of: a smart phone, a mobile phone, aphablet, a tablet, a wearable device, a watch, and a vehicle operatingdevice.
 24. A mobile phone, comprising: One or more processors; Amemory, A touch screen; One or more programs, wherein the one or moreprograms are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by theone or more processors, the one or more programs including instructionsfor the steps comprising: a) determining without any input by a userthat a text message, a message from a messenger application, or an emailhas arrived, wherein the user receives at least two or more differenttypes of messages selected from the group consisting the text message,the email, and the message from the messenger application; b) analyzingwithout any input by the user a content of the text message, the messagefrom the messenger application, or the email; c) placing the email, themessage from the messenger application, or the text message in a singlequeue to be read aloud in order of receipt time regardless of messagetype, wherein emails, messages from the messenger application, and textmessages are read aloud one after another regardless of whether a nextmessage in the queue is a new text message, a new message from themessenger application, or a new email; d) informing the user without anyinput by the user that the text message, the email, or the message fromthe messenger application has arrived from a sender by reading at leastaloud identity of the sender; e) allowing the user time to take anaffirmative action to stop reading a body of the text message, themessage from the messenger application, or the email aloud to the user,wherein the affirmative action is limited to a memorized gestureperformed on the touch screen; and f) in accordance with not receivingan input corresponding to the affirmative action from the user, readingaloud the body of the text message, the message from the messengerapplication or the email, and in case of the email, further readingaloud a subject of the email; wherein if the user is engaged in drivinga vehicle, the screen does not display any portion of the email, thetext message, or the message from the messenger application.
 25. Asystem for delivering one or more of a text message and an email and amessage from the messenger application to a user engaged in an activity,the system comprising a processor, a memory, and a touch screen, thesystem configured to deliver the text message, the message from themessenger application, and the email to the user by: a) running anapplication configured to deliver one or more of a text message, anemail, or a message from the messenger application to a user while theuser is engaged in an activity; b) determining without any input by auser that a text message, a message from a messenger application, or anemail has arrived, wherein the user receives at least two or moredifferent types of messages selected from the group consisting the textmessage, the email, and the message from the messenger application; c)analyzing without any input by the user a content of the text message,the message from the messenger application, or the email; d) placing theemail, the message from the messenger application, or the text messagein a single queue to be read aloud in order of receipt time regardlessof message type, wherein emails, messages from the messengerapplication, and text messages are read aloud one after anotherregardless of whether a next message in the queue is a new text message,a new message from the messenger application, or a new email; e)informing the user without any input by the user that the text message,the message from the messenger application, or the email has arrivedfrom a sender by reading at least aloud identity of the sender; f)allowing the user time to take an affirmative action to stop reading abody of the text message, the message from the messenger application, orthe email aloud to the user, wherein the affirmative action is limitedto a memorized gesture performed on the touch screen; and g) inaccordance with not receiving an input corresponding to the affirmativeaction from the user, reading aloud the body of the text message, themessage from the messenger application, or the email, and in case of theemail, further reading aloud a subject of the email; wherein if the useris engaged in driving a vehicle, the screen does not display any portionof the email, the text message, or the message from the messengerapplication.